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Abstract:

Bipods bipods and mounting devices for attaching to and supporting
firearms, more specifically, bipods which allow independent
tension-adjustable movement around two axes. For example, the bipod
assembly can be tension-adjusted with a first cam lock for cant movement
and can be tension-adjusted with a second cam lock for pivotal movement.
Accordingly, independently tension-adjustable and lockable pivot and cam
adjustments are provided by this bipod assembly

Claims:

1. A bipod assembly for use with a firearm comprising:an attachment
assembly coupled to a stock of a firearm;an adjustment assembly coupled
to the attachment assembly, the adjustment assembly including a cant
bushing and a pivot bushing wherein the cant bushing allows movement of
the bipod assembly about a first axis and the pivot bushing allows
movement of the bipod assembly about a second axis;a pair of legs coupled
to the adjustment assembly; anda pair of feet coupled to distal ends of
the leg extensions, wherein the feet are removeably coupled to the leg
extensions.

2. The bipod assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment assembly includes
a first portion and a second portion, the first portion has a protrusion
and the second portion has a opposed protrusion, wherein the protrusions
are configured to releasably retain a sling swivel on the stock of the
firearm.

3. The bipod assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment assembly includes
a threaded shaft configured to receive a locking washer thereon.

4. The bipod assembly of claim 1 wherein the adjustment assembly further
includes a first locking cam to stop movement about the first axis.

5. The bipod assembly of claim 4 wherein the adjustment assembly further
includes a second locking cam to stop movement about the second axis.

6. The bipod assembly of claim 1 further comprising a stock mount bracket
for reciprocally mating adjacent the stock of the firearm.

7. The bipod assembly of claim 6 wherein the stock mount bracket further
includes an aperture for receiving the attachment assembly.

8. The bipod assembly of claim 1 wherein the pivot bushing further
includes sleeves removeably coupled to protrusions, wherein the sleeves
releasably retain the leg extensions.

9. The bipod assembly of claim 8 wherein the sleeves further include a
compression spring outwardly biasing the leg extensions to an open
position.

10. The bipod assembly of claim 1 wherein the feet are removable from the
leg extensions without a tool.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/798,700, filed May 8, 2006, and U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/798,873, filed May 9, 2006, both of which are
incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present disclosure is directed to bipods and mounting devices
for attaching to and supporting firearms, more specifically, the
disclosure is directed to bipods which allow independent
tension-adjustable movement around two axes.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Modern firearms, such as rifles in particular, may be more
accurately and conveniently fired by the shooter if the firearm is
equipped with a bipod device for supporting and steadying the barrel.
Bipods may be fixedly or removeably mounted onto firearms and have been
found to be most convenient if they can further be retracted in a storage
position when not in use. Exemplary bipods and mounting devices are
taught in prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,327,422 issued Jun. 27, 1967; 4,470,216
issued Sep. 11, 1984; 4,625,620 issued Dec. 2, 1986; and 4,641,451 issued
Feb. 10, 1987; 4,903,425 issued Feb. 27, 1990; and 5,711,103 issued Jan.
27, 1998 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety. However, there remain various desirable improvements
which have not yet been recognized in the prior art, but are addressed in
the present invention.

[0004]For example, in various prior art disclosures, the attachment means
that connect the bipod to the mounting block fail to achieve a solid
physical connection between the two; the result is a significant amount
of wobble, which is undesirable when shooting a firearm. Other exemplary
patents relevant to bipods include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,103 disclosing a
mounting block to which a pair of legs is mounted, wherein the mounting
block depends on a square "pulldown" and a U-shaped yoke system; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,815,974 disclosing a bipod with legs that can be quickly
detached from a mounting block; US. Publication No. 2005/0188597 A1
disclosing a mechanism for attaching an accessory to a Picatinny rail;
and US Publication 2005/0242250 A1 disclosing a bipod that attaches to an
existing mounting block and protruding stud, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein in their entirety. While the bipods disclosed in the
prior art are functional, there exists a need to improve the stability,
efficiency and design of bipods and bipod attachments for supporting
firearms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar
elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of
various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these
elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing
legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are
not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the
particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of
recognition in the drawings.

[0006]FIG. 1 is an isometric, partially exploded view of a bipod for
supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of an attachment assembly for
attaching a bipod assembly to the stock of a firearm in accordance with
another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a partial attachment
assembly for use attaching a bipod assembly to the stock of a firearm in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric top view of a bipod assembly for use
supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010]FIG. 5 schematic isometric front view of a bipod assembly for use
supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011]FIG. 6 schematic isometric bottom view of a bipod assembly for use
supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012]FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric side view of a bipod assembly for
use supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the
disclosure.

[0013]FIG. 8 is a schematic isometric rear view of a bipod assembly for
use supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the
disclosure.

[0014]FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric front view of a bipod assembly for
use supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the
disclosure.

[0015]FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric underside view of an adjustment
assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016]FIG. 11 is a schematic isometric side view of an adjustment assembly
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017]FIG. 12 is a schematic isometric front view of an adjustment
assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018]FIG. 13 is a schematic isometric bottom view of a partial adjustment
assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019]FIG. 14 is a schematic isometric bottom view of an adjustment
assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020]FIG. 15 is a schematic isometric bottom view of a partial adjustment
assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021]FIG. 16 is a schematic isometric side view of a partial adjustment
assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022]FIG. 17 is a schematic isometric underside view of a pivot bushing
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023]FIG. 18 is a schematic isometric right side view of a pivot bushing
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024]FIG. 19 is a schematic isometric top view of a pivot bushing of a
bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025]FIG. 20 is a schematic isometric left side view of a pivot bushing
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026]FIG. 21 is a schematic isometric top view of a cant bushing of a
bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027]FIG. 22 is a schematic isometric front side view of a partial
adjustment assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in
accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028]FIG. 23 is a schematic isometric front side view of a partial
adjustment assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in
accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029]FIG. 24 is a schematic isometric top view of a stock mount bracket
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030]FIG. 25 is a schematic isometric bottom view of a stock mount
bracket of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031]FIG. 26 is a schematic isometric bottom side view of a stock mount
bracket of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032]FIG. 27 is a schematic isometric front view of a stock mount bracket
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033]FIG. 28 is a schematic isometric front side view of a partial bipod
assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment
of the disclosure.

[0034]FIG. 29 is a schematic isometric back side view of a partial bipod
assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment
of the disclosure.

[0035]FIG. 30 is a schematic isometric front side view of a removable foot
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036]FIG. 31 is a schematic isometric top side view of a removable foot
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Overview

[0037]The following disclosure describes several embodiments of bipods for
supporting a firearm. One aspect of the invention is directed to a bipod
that allows tension-adjustable movement around two axes. Another aspect
of the invention is directed to a bipod assembly that is
tension-adjustable to allow cant movement of the bipod assembly relative
to the firearm; tension-adjustable to allow pivot movement of the bipod
assembly relative to the firearm; and/or tension-adjustable to
independently allow pivot and cant movement of the bipod assembly
relative to the firearm. In one embodiment, a bipod includes a stock
mount bracket, a movement mechanism, a pair of legs, and a pair of
corresponding feet. The stock mount bracket is removeably coupled to the
stock of a firearm by a stock mount assembly. According to embodiments,
the stock mount assembly attaches the bipod to the stock of a firearm
without the use of specialized tools or by hand.

[0038]In yet another embodiment, an adjustment assembly is provided which
allows the legs of the bipod to rotate or cant in a single plane which is
generally perpendicular to the gun barrel direction. This allows the
shooter to place the bipod and gun on an uneven surface quickly and
without unnecessary canting of the rifle. In the adjustment assembly of
the present invention the adjustment assembly is configured such that
undesirable rattling type noises from the bipod assembly are diminished
substantially. According to another embodiment, an attachment assembly
may be attached to a sling swivel of a firearm. The attachment assembly
includes a quick release feature whereby the bipod and moving parts
thereto may be easily detached from the firearm without the use of a
tool.

[0039]Another aspect is directed toward an attachment assembly for
attaching an adjustment assembly contained in a bipod assembly to the
stock of a firearm. The attachment assembly is configured to attach
directly to the sling swivel provided on the firearm. The adjustment
assembly is configured to provide pivotal movement about an axis to allow
the shooter to rotate the firearm in a plane generally parallel to the
firearm. The adjustment assembly may further be configured to provide
rotational movement about a second axis generally transverse to the first
axis to allow the shooter to cant the firearm to compensate for uneven
ground and thus allow the shooter to maintain the firearm in an upright
position. According to yet further embodiments, the adjustment assembly
is configured to provide both pivotal movement about a first axis and
rotational movement about a second perpendicular axis. According to this
embodiment, the pivotal movement and rotational movement may be
independently locked to prevent movement in one or both directions with a
cam lock or other mechanical device.

[0040]In another embodiment, the bipod assembly includes a pair of legs
having removable feet. The feet may be interchangeable and may be
configured according to the condition the bipod assembly is expected to
be used in, for example, a foot having a large contact surface area for
marshy ground, and foot having a smaller contact surface area for paved
or hard ground surfaces. In another embodiment, the feet may be attached
or detached without the use of a tool. In another embodiment, the feet
may be press fit onto a lower portion of the leg. In another embodiment,
the feet include a quick connect mechanism such as a removable pin that
is held in a detent notch in the foot and in a detent notch in the leg by
spring pressure.

[0041]Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods of attaching
bipods onto a firearm. In one embodiment, a method includes removably
attaching an attachment assembly to a sling swivel of a firearm stock,
coupling the attachment assembly to an adjustment assembly wherein the
adjustment assembly allows movement of the firearm relative to the bipod
assembly in pivotally in a first axis and rotationally in a second axis,
removably attaching a pair of leg extensions to the adjustment assembly,
and removably attaching feet to the pair of leg extensions.

[0042]Specific details of several embodiments of the invention are
described below with reference to containers for carrying firearm
accessories and/or supporting firearms. Several details describing
well-known structures or processes often associated with bipods, bipod
attachment mechanisms, and bipods for use supporting firearms are not set
forth in the following description for purposes of brevity and clarity.
Also, several other embodiments of the invention can have different
configurations, components, or procedures than those described in this
section. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will
accordingly understand that the invention may have other embodiments with
additional elements, or the invention may have other embodiments without
several of the elements shown and described below with reference to FIGS.
1-31.

[0043]Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include
the plural or singular terms, respectively. Moreover, unless the word
"or" is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from other
items in reference to a list of at least two items, then the use of "or"
in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in
the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the
items in the list. Additionally, the term "comprising" is used throughout
to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater
number of the same features and/or other types of features and components
are not precluded.

B. Bipod Embodiments

[0044]FIG. 1 is an isometric, partially exploded view of a bipod for
supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.
A bipod assembly 5 is shown relative to a firearm 10 having a firearm
stock portion 12. A sling swivel (not shown) is contained on an underside
of the firearm stock portion 12 to provide a connection point for a
sling. According to the illustrated embodiment, the bipod assembly 5
includes an attachment assembly 20, an adjustment assembly 30, a pair of
leg extensions 40a, 40b and a pair of feet 42a, 42b. As further shown in
FIG. 1, the attachment assembly 20 is configured to releasably couple to
the sling swivel and the adjustment assembly 30 is configured to
releasably couple to the attachment assembly 20. The pair of leg
extensions 40a, 40b are coupled to the adjustment assembly 30, and
corresponding feet 42a, 42b are coupled to the leg extensions 40a, 40b.

[0045]FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of an attachment assembly 20
for attaching a bipod assembly 5 to the stock of a firearm 10 in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2,
the attachment assembly 20 includes a first portion 100 and a second
portion 102. The second portion 102 and an upper portion of the first
portion 100 combine to provide a stock engaging portion 101. Protrusions
116a, 116b are contained on an interior surface of the first and second
portions 100, 102 to engage an eye of a sling swivel placed in space 114.

[0046]FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a partial attachment
assembly 20 of FIG. 2. As further shown in FIG. 3, the first portion 100
of the attachment assembly 20 includes part of the stock engaging portion
101 and also a partially threaded portion 103 for engaging a washer 110.
The partially threaded portion 103 includes threaded regions 104, 108 and
non-threaded regions 106. The washer 110 includes reciprocal threads on
an internal surface (not shown) to allow the washer 110 to rotate up or
down the threaded portion 103. In operation, the washer 110 is tightened
to draw the stock engaging portion into the stock mount bracket (see FIG.
4) and engage the protrusions 116a, 116b in space 114 with the sling
swivel on the stock mount (not shown for purposes of clarity). As shown
with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment assembly further includes a
release mechanism 112 for releasing the stock engaging portion 101 of the
attachment assembly 20 from the sling swivel. The release mechanism 112
is shown as a push rod for pushing the first portion 100 away from the
second portion 102 and thus disengaging the protrusions 116a, 116b from
the sling swivel. Alternatively, as is know in the art, any mechanical
release mechanism may be used to release the attachment assembly from the
sling swivel.

[0047]FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric top view of a bipod assembly 5 for
use supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, a stock mount bracket 200 includes a top
surface 202 configured to reciprocally mate with a bottom surface of the
stock 12 of a firearm 10. The top surface 202 of the stock mount bracket
200 includes an aperture 204 for receiving the attachment assembly 20.
The aperture 204 includes tapered walls 206 to draw the protrusions 116a,
116b together and further secure the attachment assembly 20 to the sling
swivel of the firearm 10.

[0048]FIG. 5 schematic isometric front view of a bipod assembly 5 for use
supporting a firearm 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the
disclosure. As further shown in FIG. 4, the stock mount bracket 200 has a
curved top surface 202, and an aperture 201 for receiving a pivot pin
(shown with regard to FIG. 9). The bipod assembly 5 further includes a
pivot bushing 210 and an interlocking cam bushing (shown in FIG. 6), a
first cam lock 212 for preventing movement in a first direction and a
second cam lock 216 for preventing movement in a second direction, leg
extensions 40a, 40b, and removable feet 42a, 42b. The leg extensions
further include leg release mechanisms 214 to allow legs to open to angle
A. The pivot bushing 210 further includes a rotation inhibitor surface
208 for engaging the leg extensions 40a, 40b and stopping the legs at a
predetermined angle apart.

[0049]FIG. 6 schematic isometric bottom view of a bipod assembly 5 for use
supporting a firearm 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the cant bushing 220 engages the pivot
bushing 210 through aperture 222 in the pivot bushing 210. In operation,
the pivot bushing 210 allows the adjustment assembly 30 to pivot about a
first axis generally parallel with the stock 12 of the firearm 10, while
the cant bushing 220 allows the adjustment assembly 30 (and hence the
bipod assembly 5) to rotate about a second axis to provide movement
transverse to the stock 12 of the firearm 10. FIGS. 7 and 8 are a
schematic isometric side and rear views of the bipod assembly for further
illustrating the configuration of the components of the bipod assembly 5.

[0050]FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric front view of a bipod assembly for
use supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment of the
disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a bipod assembly 350 includes an
adjustment assembly 330 having a stock mount bracket 300 having a surface
301 for reciprocally mating with a stock of a gun, a first cam lock 316
and a second cam lock 312, a cant bushing 320, a pivot bushing 310 having
a first and a second ear 311a, 311b for engaging sleeves 304a, 604b. The
sleeves 304a, 304b may be retained on the ears 311a, 311b of the pivot
bushing with pins 305a, 305b or alternatively may be press fit on a
flange of the ears 311a, 311b. The sleeves 304a, 304b further include
tension springs 307 for pushing leg extensions 340a, 340b outward. The
adjustment assembly 330 further includes a release pin 309 for engaging a
plunger portion of the cant bushing and prevent the adjustment assembly
330 from moving in a first direction. The bipod assembly 350 further
includes removable feet 342a, 342b releasably retained on the leg
extensions 340a, 340b. A pin 343 may retain the feet 342a, 342b on the
leg extensions 340a, 340b, alternatively, mechanical connections as are
known in the art may be provided for releasably retaining the feet on the
leg extensions. In still further embodiments, the feet are permanently
affixed to the base of the leg extensions.

[0051]FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric underside view of an adjustment
assembly 30 of a bipod assembly 5 for use supporting a firearm 10 in
accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure. As further shown in
FIG. 10, the adjustment assembly includes a stock mount bracket 200
having a first aperture 201 for receiving a pivot pin (not shown for
clarity) and a second aperture 114 for receiving an attachment assembly
(not shown for clarity), a first cam lock 216 and a second cam lock 212
engaged with a cant bushing 220, a release pin 309 engagable with a
plunger portion of the cant bushing 220. Also shown are the sleeves 204a,
204b. The pivot bushing is removed from FIG. 10 to more clearly shown the
interrelationship of the other adjustment assembly components.

[0052]FIG. 11 is a schematic isometric side view of the adjustment
assembly of FIG. 10.

[0053]FIG. 12 is a schematic isometric front view of the adjustment
assembly of FIG. 10.

[0054]FIG. 13 is a schematic isometric bottom view of a partial adjustment
assembly of FIG. 10 wherein sleeve 304b is removed from view.

[0055]FIG. 14 is a schematic isometric bottom view of an adjustment
assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance
with one embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14 is similar to FIGS. 10-13
except FIG. 14 further includes the pivot bushing 230. As shown in FIG.
14, the pivot bushing 210 has aperture 222 for receiving a plunger
portion of cant bushing 220. The pivot bushing further includes a groove
223 in the aperture to engage a notch 221 in the plunger portion of the
cant bushing 220 to restrict movement.

[0056]FIG. 15 is a schematic isometric bottom view of a partial adjustment
assembly 20 of FIG. 14 with the stock mount bracket removed to further
illustrate the relationship between the elements of the adjustment
assembly 20. FIG. 16 is a schematic isometric side view of a partial
adjustment assembly 20.

[0057]FIG. 17 is a schematic isometric underside view of a pivot bushing
210 of a bipod assembly 5 for use supporting a firearm in accordance with
one embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 18 is a schematic isometric right
side view of the pivot bushing 210 of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a schematic
isometric top view of the pivot bushing 210 of FIG. 17. FIG. 20 is a
schematic isometric left side view of the pivot bushing 210 of FIG. 17.

[0058]FIG. 21 is a schematic isometric top view of a cant bushing 220 of a
bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure. The cant bushing 220 includes protrusions
225a, 225b for restricting rotation by engaging the adjustment assembly
when fully assembled. The cant bushing 220 further includes an aperture
226 for receiving the pivot pin shown and described above.

[0059]FIGS. 22 and 23 are schematic isometric front side views of a
partial adjustment assembly of a bipod assembly for use supporting a
firearm in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

[0060]FIGS. 24-27 are schematic isometric views of a stock mount bracket
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with
embodiments of the disclosure.

[0061]FIGS. 28 and 29 are schematic isometric views of a partial bipod
assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one embodiment
of the disclosure.

[0062]FIG. 30 is a schematic isometric front side view of a removable foot
of a bipod assembly for use supporting a firearm in accordance with one
embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 31 is a schematic isometric top side
view of the removable foot of FIG. 30. The removable foot 42 includes a
sleeve 403 for receiving a leg extension (not shown) in an interior
receiving space 402 therein, a contact surface 404 for contacting the
ground and supporting the bipod assembly, and a release mechanism 406 for
removeably releasing the foot 42 from the leg extension. As can be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of mechanical coupling
mechanisms may be used to retain the foot on the leg extension, including
but not limited to friction fit, spring loaded pins, reciprocal snap fit
indents and detents, locking mechanisms, and the like.

C. Further BiPod Features

[0063]In one embodiment, a bipod includes one or more of the following
features:

[0064]A stock mount, [0065]A piece with one or more contact surfaces that
contact the forend of a stock [0066]In one embodiment, contact surfaces
are manufactured from non-marring material(s) [0067]In another
embodiment, contact surfaces are covered with a layer of non-marring
material [0068]The stock mount may contain a rounded surface that fits in
the web between a human thumb and forefinger [0069]A mechanism for
removably attaching the bipod to a swivel stud on a stock [0070]In one
embodiment, the mechanism is divided into five or more components,
including: [0071]A threaded shaft with a protrusion on one end that
engages holes in a stock swivel stud [0072]A piece that contains a
protrusion that engages the hole in a stock swivel stud and removably
attaches to the first component [0073]A compression spring that urges
these two pieces apart [0074]A nut that threads onto the threaded portion
of the first component [0075]A tapered cavity in the stock mount
[0076]Advancing the threaded nut on the threaded portion of the first
component causes the first two components to be pulled into the tapered
cavity in the stock mount, which forces the two component halves together
to capture the swivel stud on the stock [0077]A mechanism that allows
for the independent adjustment of "pivot" and "cant" [0078]Pivot and cant
motions are each made independently, so that either motion can be
adjusted without impacting the other [0079]The tension against which
pivot and cant adjustments are made can be adjusted [0080]The
adjustments cover a range from zero tension to tension sufficient to
prohibit motion [0081]The adjustments can be made without tools in
several applications [0082]The adjustment surfaces may be loaded by
compression springs to assist with tension maintenance [0083]In one
embodiment, the adjustments may be made on progressive cam surfaces
[0084]In one embodiment, the adjustments are made using levers; in other
embodiments, the adjustments may be made using thumbwheels or similar
adjusting mechanisms that can apply force and do not require the use of
tools [0085]The range of cant can be limited [0086]In one embodiment,
the range of cant adjustment is limited by protrusions on the cant round
[0087]In another embodiment, the range of can adjustment is limited by
protrusions on the stock mount [0088]In another embodiment, the range of
cant adjustment is limited by protrusions on the outer leg housings
[0089]The range of pivot may be limited [0090]In one embodiment, the
range of pivot adjustment is limited by protrusions on the cant round
[0091]In another embodiment, the range of pivot adjustment is limited by
protrusions on the stock mount [0092]Stock mount bushing [0093]A
mechanism that [0094]Contains surface geometries that act against
geometries on the outer housings and/or spring sleeves that serve to
indicate the outer housing in a predetermined position [0095]Is removably
attached to the stock mount assembly or the cant round [0096]The stock
mount bushing may be attached and located with a removable pin that is
held in a detent notch in the stock mount bushing and also simultaneously
held in a detent notch in the stock mount cant round by spring pressure.
Bringing force against the pin overcomes the spring pressure and moves
the pin out of its home detent, thereby allowing the stock mount bushing
to be removed with a sharp point (e.g. the point of a bullet) rather than
a specialized tool (e.g. a screwdriver); or [0097]A stock mount bushing
that is removably attached to the cant round and is indicated in place
with a fastener (the fastener could be a roll pin, a screw, or other
fastener) that transverses one axis of the stock mount bushing as well as
one axis of the cant round, thereby attaching the stock mount bushing to
the cant round and indicating it in position [0098]Two "legs"
[0099]Each leg consists of one or more "outer housings," one or more "leg
extensions," and one or more "leg extension controls." [0100]outer
housing(s) [0101]mates with surface geometries on the stock mount or the
stock mount pivot bushing that serve to indicate the outer housings in
predetermined positions [0102]may be formed in a plurality of pieces and
removably or non-removably (e.g., permanently) attached to each other
[0103]the outer housings are urged apart by compression springs [0104]In
one embodiment, the compression springs that are captured in individual
spring sleeves are removably attached to the outer housings [0105]In
another embodiment, the compression springs are captured in the stock
mount bushing [0106]In another embodiment, the outer housings are acted
against by springs housed in the stock mount [0107]At least a portion
of which are generally hollow and designed to receive at least a portion
of the leg extensions [0108]The geometry of the outer housings may or may
not be manufactured using extrusion [0109]In one embodiment, the outer
housing has a taper from one end to the other [0110]In another
embodiment, the outer housing is non-symmetrical along some portion of
its length [0111]In another embodiment, the outer housing has a first
cross-section shape at a first section and a second cross-sectional shape
at a second section axially spaced apart from the first section [0112]In
another embodiment, the outer housing defines an axis and includes a
cross-sectional shape taken along a plane transverse to the axis. The
cross-sectional shape includes an outer surface of the outer housing. One
point on the outer surface is spaced apart from the axis by a first
distance and a second point on the outer surface is spaced apart from the
axis by a second distance different than the first distance. [0113]The
outer housings may be manufactured by die casting or other suitable
processes [0114]May contain a provision for a leg extension release
button that is generally flush with the surface of the housing rather
than a leg extension that protrudes above the outermost surface of the
outer housing [0115]"leg extension" [0116]Fits at least partially
inside the "outer housing" with a portion protruding below the lowermost
surface of the outer housing [0117]Is acted against by compression
springs that act to extend the leg extensions beyond the bottom-most
surface of the outer housing [0118]In one embodiment, the leg extension
[0119]Has non-parallel surfaces along its length [0120]Has annular
grooves to facilitate control by the Leg Extension Control mechanism
[0121]May have grooves along the length of the leg extension that are
designed to reduce weight and increase stiffness [0122]May have
non-symmetrical sections A non-symmetrical top protrusion designed to
keep the leg extension from exiting the upper housing; and/or A
non-symmetrical bottom protrusion designed to facilitate locating and
indexing a bipod foot [0123]"Leg Extension Control" [0124]A sliding
mechanism that engages a geometry or geometries on the leg extension; the
mechanism allows the extension to be extended from the bottom-most
surface of the outer housing and then be held in place at established
lengths [0125]The sliding mechanism contains a provision whereby the leg
extension can be extended one notch at a time by moving the sliding
mechanism one distance and allows the leg extension to be fully extended
by moving the sliding mechanism beyond the first distance and to a second
distance [0126]A "foot" on the bottom of each leg [0127]The foot can
be removably attached to and simultaneously located in position on the
leg extension of each bipod leg, [0128]The foot may be attached and
located with a quick connect mechanism, such as a removable pin that is
held in a detent notch in the foot and in a detent notch in the leg
extension by spring pressure. Bringing force against the pin overcomes
the spring pressure and moves the pin out of its home detent, thereby
allowing the foot to be removed with a sharp point (e.g. the point of a
bullet) rather than a specialized tool (e.g. a screwdriver); or [0129]A
foot that is removably attached to the leg extension and is indicated in
place with a fastener (the fastener could be a roll pin, a screw, or
other fastener) that transverses one axis of the foot as well as one axis
of the cant round, thereby attaching the foot to the leg extension and
indicating it in position [0130]Several embodiments are expected to
have one or more of the following features: [0131]allow the user to
adjust "pivot" and "cant", which increases the usefulness in the field;
[0132]may not require the use of specialized tools that are not readily
available in the field; [0133]can independently adjust "pivot" and "cant"
[0134]stock attachment methods that provide a robust system [0135]leg
geometries may be manufactured by low-cost manufacturing methods
[0136]legs with special geometries having lighter weight and greater
strength than can be achieved with extruded legs [0137]Use feet that
[0138]are removably attached to the legs of the bipod, which provides
interchangeability; [0139]can be attached without specialized tools are
not readily available in the field

D. Conclusion

[0140]The bipod assembly disclosed herein provides adjustment mechanisms
that could be used on a bipod that is attached directly to member on the
firearm stock and does not require a mounting block. The bipod assembly
further provides a bipod that allows tension-adjustable movement around
two axes. For example, the bipod assembly can be tension-adjusted with a
first cam lock for cant movement and can be tension adjusted with a
second cam lock for pivotal movement.

[0141]The bipod assembly disclosed herein further provides removable,
interchangeable feet which provide many advantages over bipods with fixed
foot configurations. Hunters and tactical rifle users face much different
usage situations and require different foot configurations. A hunter
could want a light, small foot for hunting in rugged terrain. A tactical
rifle operator might prefer a large, hard foot that slides easily along
windowsills or ledges, or a snowshoe-shaped foot for use in sand or other
soft surfaces--such a foot might be indicated for location on the lower
leg for consistency of shot placement and use. The base mission of the
bipod remains the same in all three cases, but the ability to interchange
feet makes mission-specificity possible. Previously existing inventions
have used feet that are manufactured integral to another part during the
manufacturing process, feet permanently attached (e.g. welded) to a lower
leg during manufacturing, or feet that are releasably mounted to the
lower leg of the bipod

[0142]Further advantages of independently tension-adjustable and lockable
pivot and cam adjustments are provided by the bipod assembly disclosed
herein. Rotation around two axes is critical for a bipod. The ability of
the legs to rotate around the y axis gives the bipod the ability to
accommodate uneven terrain under the bipod. A user can use adjustment
around the y axis so that a plane bisecting the horizontal axis of the
rifle bore is parallel to the horizon. Once that plane is level to the
horizon, the bipod can be made to rotate around the z axis, allowing a
user to "sweep" an area under watch. If the mechanisms that allow
rotation around each axis are made tension-adjustable and lockable, users
can select the amount of tension that must be overcome to change position
around a single axis. In this use mode, a user could, for example,
lightly tension both rotational axes in order to provide significant
freedom of movement but some tension-assisted stability during the firing
process. Previous inventions have allowed for controlled adjustment in a
single dimension (Harris U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,525) or uncontrolled
adjustment in multiple dimensions (Current model Caldwell bipods, Kramer
U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,678) but no previously described bipod allows
individual, controlled adjustment in each of single dimension independent
of other dimensions.

[0143]According to alternative embodiments, the bipod disclosed herein
does not include a vertical adjustment mechanism. This provides a simpler
device having fewer moving parts. Further, small changes in vertical
position are easy to get from the shooter's position and can be difficult
to get mechanically, especially in combination with other mechanical
mechanisms. Vertical position changes are also the least important
adjustment to be able to make on a fast basis, as gravity insures that
targets move left to right far more frequently than they do up and down.
Shooters can relatively easily move up or down a small distance at their
shoulder, which translates to a large amount of certical impact change at
a downrange impact point.

[0144]The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide
further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent
applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the
invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and
concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide
yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0145]One skilled in the art will appreciate that different manufacturing
processes may provide variations of aspects of the embodiments described
above. For example, the bipod may be manufactured from different
materials and in different processes.

[0146]From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments
of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,
but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the
invention. Furthermore, aspects of the invention described in the context
of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other
embodiments. Further, while advantages associated with certain
embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of those
embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not
all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within
the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited,
except as by the appended claims.